What Is the Maximum Slit Width in a Double Slit Experiment?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the maximum slit width in a double slit experiment, with a focus on the implications of slit width on interference and diffraction patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between slit width and the coherence of incoming light, questioning the relevance of the source slit width versus the double slits themselves. There is a consideration of the physical implications of having the slit width equal to the distance between the slits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the significance of the source slit width and its effect on coherence. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the distinction between the widths of the source slit and the double slits, with some uncertainty regarding the implications of these widths on the experiment's outcomes.

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Homework Statement



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Estimate maximum slit width of a double slit.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Letting the slit width be a,

The intensity profile of such a system is:

I = I_0 sinc^2\left( \frac{Nkasin \theta}{2} \right) cos^2\left( \frac{kd sin\theta}{2} \right)

I suppose the maximum slit width is when a = d? Such that all the interference maxima coincides with the minima from diffraction envelope. But physically this would mean that both slits collapse into one..
 
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The question is not about the width of the double slits. - It is about the width of the source slit (that's where the light comes from to begin with even before reaching the double slits.
 
dauto said:
The question is not about the width of the double slits. - It is about the width of the source slit (that's where the light comes from to begin with even before reaching the double slits.

Hmm, that's interesting. But the first thought is that why would it matter? If the beam is really wide, it would get diffracted the normal way.
 
It matters because it determines whether or not the incoming light is coherent.
 
dauto said:
It matters because it determines whether or not the incoming light is coherent.

Well, but there is no path difference before approaching the slit, so why would it matter?
 

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